Sheffield University

What's it like as a place to live? Sheffield is a welcoming northern city. It's the fourth biggest city in England, but because most students live in the Broomhill, Crookes and Crookesmoor areas, there's a great sense of community. The city centre is a 10−15 minute walk from the University too, which is perfect for shopping, museums and nights out.

How's the student accommodation? There are over 6,000 rooms in University accommodation, meaning that if you're looking for catered accommodation without the hassle of bills, there's something for you too. Most rooms were built in the past three years as part of the massive Endcliffe Village and Ranmoor Village, meaning that they're almost all en-suite too. Cheaper accommodation is available as well though thankfully.

What's the student population like? Sheffield University is the easiest place to make friends in the world. Even after Freshers' Week, you can make friends absolutely anywhere. We're a diverse population, with students from around 130 countries we're definitely cosmopolitan, but we still have our fair share of commuter students from the South Yorkshire area.

How do students and locals get on? Sheffield was recently rated the safest city in Britain and it's easy to see why. Most students will stick to the University areas of the city, where crime is minimal. But even in the city centre, Sheffield feels like a safe place to be. Students and locals do get on well, with many students staying on in the city after graduation. Just remember to invite your neighbours before you have your next houseparty!

What's it like as a place to study? As one of the twenty members of the research-intensive Russell Group universities, you know that you're always on the cutting edge of your field. Courses are fairly traditional, but apart from Dentistry and Medicine they're all modular too, which means that you can tailor your course to suit you. Our award-winning Information Commons is open 24/7, meaning that even if you have left your essay a bit late, it's never quite too late.

What are the teaching staff like? It's amazing to meet the leaders of a field in person and receive lectures from them and it's even better to get to chat to them after lectures to hear that they actually care about students. There are always some who prefer research to teaching, but the vast majority of lecturers are approachable and are happy to be dropped in upon when you need a hand with your work.

What are student societies like? The famous Students' Union is understandably the best Students' Union in Britain. With around 270 societies, you can guarantee there's something for you to take part of. From Model United Nations to StitchSoc, from our very own cinema in the Union to our range of representative committees, you can feel at home in Sheffield. What's more, if you can think of a new one, it's the easiest thing in the world to make a new society. Our club nights sell out every night and suit a real mix of tastes; from hardcore drum and base to cheesy pop at Pop Tarts and with everything in between, there's a club night for you. Our sports teams are ever popular and we're especially proud to have finished nine places above Hallam in the BUCS league tables last year. Every Wednesday we play other unis and ROAR on a Wednesday night is the perfect place to celebrate a victory!

What's a typical night out? A couple or drinks in the local pub, onto Bar|One in the Union, finishing off with that night's club night.

And how much does it cost? Club night tickets are £4 each and drinks are very reasonable (it's the north!).

How can you get home safely? We have a women's minibus that leaves every hour every night for female students to be taken straight to their door. We also have a scheme for disabled students to get support for transport too. There's a taxi rank outside the Union, so it's never more than a quid each for a group of friends to get back from a night out.

Is it an expensive place to live? The student loan isn't big enough for students at any university, but it comes close to being enough to live off in Sheffield. Rent is between £45 and £70 a week depending on where you live while food and drink are definitely on the cheap end of the scale.

Average price of a pint? £1.75.

And the price of a takeaway? £3.

What's the part-time work situation? The Union's Job Shop offers part-time work with employers who know that students need to work around their lectures. The University recommends a maximum of 15 hours a week, which is pretty sensible. The Union also employs nearly a thousand people, so there's often a job going somewhere.

What's the best feature about the place? The Students' Union wins awards every year and makes sure that Sheffield becomes your home.

And the worst? There has been a lot of building work going on, but most of it now finished.

And to sum it all up? The chance to be part of the best Students' Union whilst studying at a world-leading university in a cheap and safe city.

David Blunkett, Willy Hamilton (politicians); Amy Johnson (aviator); Eddie Izzard (comedian); Tony Miles, David Wetherall (footballers); Sir Peter Middleton (Barclays Bank); Jack Rosenthal (playwright); Carol Barnes (former TV newsreader); Helen Sharman (first Briton in space). 

Ring SU president, 0114 222 8605 or visit www.shef.ac.uk/union.